California Democrats approve $50M to fight Trump policies
Share and Follow


() Democratic lawmakers in California authorized $50 million in state funds to beef up the state’s defenses against incoming Republican President Donald Trump’s policies.

partner The Hill reported state Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener (D) announced Monday he’s amending legislation to provide $25 million to support legal aid services for California residents at risk of deportation.

One of Trump’s campaign promises during the 2024 election was the “mass deportation” of undocumented immigrants.

The bill came out of a special legislative session that started last month in which lawmakers attempted to “Trump-proof” the state.

Another $25 million, The Hill wrote, was set aside by Democratic state Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for the California Department of Justice. That way, the state has the legal funds to fight back against the federal government.

“California faces two massive challenges,” Wiener said in a statement Monday, according to The Hill. The first, he said, is the spate of wildfires currently scorching thousands of acres in the Los Angeles area.

The second challenge, Wiener said, is “an incoming federal administration that has vowed to make it harder for Los Angeles to recover, by withholding disaster relief and deporting immigrant Angelenos who have been impacted by the fires and who are actively helping their neighbors.”

reached out to Newsom’s office and Democratic Party leaders for comment.

Republican legislators in California criticized the move by their Democratic counterparts. They argue the special session should be focused on wildfire relief.

Newsom ultimately did add a budget line item for $2.5 billion in wildlife relief, in addition to the initial $50 million.

Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher said on Facebook he’s glad to see Newsom prioritizing relief for those affected by the fires.

“I certainly hope he doesn’t play politics with this money by tying it to his slush fund for government lawyers and left-wing groups to fight President Trump,” Gallagher wrote. “This is a time for all of us to come together and take care of our fellow Californians who have lost everything.”

On X, Wiener wrote lawmakers don’t have to choose “between helping LA recover from wildfires & protecting CA from Trump.”

“Indeed, we must do both,” he wrote.

The bill still needs to go to the Assembly before making it to the governor’s desk.

partner The Hill contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ukraine, US near 20-point peace deal as Putin spurns Zelenskyy Christmas ceasefire offer

Ukraine and US Edge Closer to Historic Peace Accord Amid Putin’s Rejection of Zelenskyy’s Ceasefire Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the United States are…
Logan Paul causes stir as he gives financial advice live on-air

Logan Paul’s Controversial Financial Advice Sparks Debate During Live Broadcast

Logan Paul has stirred up a mix of opinions with his recent…
PGA issues cryptic statement on Brooks Koepka's LIV Golf departure

PGA Releases Enigmatic Statement Regarding Brooks Koepka’s Exit from LIV Golf

The PGA Tour has released a notably vague statement concerning Brooks Koepka’s…
Court spat erupts between judge and 'drunk' joyriding suspect

Fiery Courtroom Clash: Judge Confronts Alleged Drunk Joyrider in Dramatic Legal Showdown

During a heated bond hearing, a man from South Carolina, accused of…
Repeat offender allegedly kills Ohio man just days after nonprofit pays his bail

Family’s Plea Ignored: Nonprofit Releases Repeat Offender Who Allegedly Commits Murder Days Later

The Bail Project calls family of repeat offender In a tragic turn…
New charges against DC National Guard shooting suspect open death penalty door

New Charges Against DC National Guard Shooting Suspect Pave Way for Potential Death Penalty

An Afghan national, accused of the fatal shooting of two National Guard…
New Netflix documentary shows how families deal with loss after a school shooting

Netflix Unveils Heartfelt Documentary Exploring Family Resilience After School Tragedy

In the wake of a tragic school shooting, Bryan Muehlberger reflects on…
FBI violent crime arrests double in Trump's first year compared to Biden record: 'Massive strides'

FBI Violent Crime Arrests Soar Under Trump: How Biden’s Record Compares

The FBI announced on Tuesday a significant rise in arrests related to…